The Best Golf in Southern Utah

When the courses of Northern Utah are covered with snow, Southern Utah is ripe with elevated golf experiences that rival the best in the world.

Written By Nicole Gaddie

Black Desert Resort | Courtesy of Black Desert Resort

Driving around Southern Utah, red rock landscapes abound. The area serves as the gateway to The Mighty 5^®, some of the most famous national parks in the country. And yet, there’s another defining characteristic — oases of green dot the landscape.

This place is a golfer’s haven.

St. George opened its first golf course in 1965. Now, almost 60 years later, golf courses have sprouted all over the region. Head east and you’ll find incredible public gems in tiny towns close to national parks like Arches and Canyonlands. Stay in St. George and you’ll have a wide array of options within a 30-minute drive. (Read: St. George Golf Courses)

In contrast to more well-known golf hubs, the courses in Southern Utah offer a peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere with lower price points and plenty of lodging options nearby.

Whether you’re looking for a beloved municipal, true links style or a layout that challenges the world’s best, you won’t be disappointed.

So where to start? Here’s a breakdown of the best golf in Southern Utah.

"Driving around Southern Utah, red rock landscapes abound. The area serves as the gateway to The Mighty 5®, some of the most famous national parks in the country. And yet, there’s another defining characteristic — oases of green dot the landscape. This place is a golfer’s haven."

Black Desert Resort

Ivins, Utah

The newest and arguably most luxurious course to be added to Southern Utah’s repertoire is Black Desert Resort. Nestled at the intersection of the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert and Great Basin, Black Desert has climbed to No. 1 in Utah on Golfweek’s Best list of public-access courses and No. 26 among all resort courses in the U.S. At 7,500 yards, this championship track is a cherished Tom Weiskopf design. The World Golf Hall of Fame member passed away in 2022 and Black Desert was his final design.

A key characteristic of the course is the black lava fields that weave throughout the holes and sit in contrast to the distant orange and red towering cliffs. Course conditions are topnotch, with well-manicured firm greens, wide fairways and plenty of risk-reward challenges from the back tees. Enjoyable for a resort guest or tour professional. Fitting since after a 60-year hiatus, the PGA Tour made its return to Utah in 2024 to host the inaugural Black Desert Championship as part of its FEDEX Cup fall series. The LPGA Tour will head to the course in the spring of 2025.

Green fees include a host of other benefits like complimentary food and beverage, forecaddie, tee gift, cart and access to the driving range which features TRACKMAN technology and a 36-hole putting range. Beautiful accommodations include nearly 800 hotel rooms and residences, a shopping center, premiere dining and a spa. This resort has clearly earned its place as the new king of the region.

Dixie Red Hills

St. George, Utah

While there are 21 courses within a 15-mile radius of St. George, there’s no better place to start than at the epicenter of it all, Dixie Red Hills, the city’s first golf course.

Located right off Bluff Street next to vibrant sandstone cliffs, Dixie Red Hills is a 9-hole par-34 layout, making it a perfect choice for all skill levels and those wanting to get in a quick nine before or after exploring other parts of the area (Read: Make St. George Your Zion National Park Basecamp). Despite its length, each hole is filled with character. Many scenic rock formations surround the course with some just steps from the green, making it feel like you’re playing on a prehistoric playground.

Golfers love this municipal treasure for its fun layout, walkability and affordability. A shake from the Iceberg Drive Inn down the road completes a perfect day.

Sand Hollow Resort

Hurricane, Utah

Less than 15 minutes west of St. George is Sand Hollow Resort. Featuring two golf courses, a 9-hole Links course and 18-hole Championship Course.

Like the links courses in the British Isles, Sand Hollow’s Links course has large undulating greens and fairways that blend into the natural landscape. Players can be creative, with lots of space to strategize different approaches to holes. Hand-built stone “sheep fencing” pays homage to the origins of the sport. Also, characteristic of a links course, there’s not a tree to be found, so don’t forget the sunscreen.

The 18-hole Championship Course offers a completely different feel. Consistently ranked a “Top 100 Resort Course” by Golfweek, various holes feature incredible cliffside views, dramatic elevation change and red sand bunkers. A must for epic golf and photos.

Hideout Golf Course

Monticello, Utah

On the southeastern side of the state in the small town of Monticello, is an 18-hole course regarded as one of the best kept secrets in the West, Hideout Golf Course.

Only an hour from Canyonlands National Park and Moab, and 30 minutes from Bears Ears National Monument, the Hideout is an under-the-radar spot that was built on a reclaimed uranium mine. Drastic elevation changes and uneven lies are a rollercoaster of a good time that will test your shotmaking and luck. For instance, the 15th is an uphill hole where tee shots travel about 75% of their usual distance. What appears to be a relatively short hole sneakily plays much longer. In contrast, the par-4 8th hole features an overall drop of 100 feet from tee to green, making the 402 yardage less daunting.

One of the best parts about the course is the remoteness you’ll feel in the high desert environment. The Abajo Mountains rise majestically in the distance with juniper, pinyon pine and Gambel oak trees scattered throughout the landscape making it feel less like a traditional round of golf and more like a scenic hike through nature’s beauty.

With a population of less than 2,000 in the surrounding community, the course is rarely crowded and rates are reasonable. A round of 18 holes walking will only set you back $38 ($56 with a cart) and seniors over 60 only pay $29 ($47 with a cart).

The Hideout is a great stop as you make your way to the Four Corners or many other outdoor adventures along U.S. Route191 — a destination in and of itself with three portions designated as National Scenic Byways.

Mighty-Five_Bryce-Canyon_Payne-Angie_2020

Utah's National Parks

Known as the Mighty 5, each national park can be an entire vacation all in itself. The best visits include a mix of activities inside and outside of the park, and guided experiences to bring the stories of these remarkable landscapes to the forefront.

Learn more

Sky Mountain Golf Course

Hurricane, Utah

About halfway between St. George and Zion National Park is an 18-hole public course called Sky Mountain. The driving range might be the most scenic in Southern Utah, or even the West as it’s framed by the large red Pine Valley Mountains. Dramatic backdrops continue throughout the front nine as holes weave through the incredible desert landscape.

Fairways are wide but undulating and natural elevation changes add dimension and unique perspectives to each hole.

You won’t find a better bang for your buck as the price to walk 18 holes ranges from $48-$68 (with a cart $68-$88) depending on the season. Save $10 if you play during their Twilight period, after 12:30 p.m. Take a seat at the Sky Mountain Grill to enjoy a burger and fries while watching jack rabbits play in front of the panorama.

Overall, Sky Mountain is a fantastic and unassuming option for golfers of any skill level.

The Ledges

St. George, Utah

Built in 2006, the Ledges Golf Club is a 7,200-yard par 72 golf course designed by Matt Dye, nephew of legendary course designer Pete Dye.

Dye worked as a greens constructions specialist for many years. At The Ledges, the greens are some of the most interesting in Southern Utah due to their unique contours, multiple undulations and fast speed.

The Ledges was an early crown jewel of Southern Utah’s golf resorts, with a private club feel despite being open to public play. Now, almost 20 years later, it is still well maintained and enjoyed by locals and visitors.

The practice facility includes a full-length 300-yard turf driving range (with balls included for all players to warm-up before their round) and two practice greens.

The front nine offers a good chance to warm up with little elevation change, wide fairways and few hazards. The back nine presents more difficult terrain. Numbers 14, 15 and 16 feature canyon vistas and carries over desert washes and ravines.

The clubhouse overlooks the 18th hole and the restaurant, the Fish Rock Grille, provides a perfect spot to enjoy a post round drink or meal while gazing at Snow Canyon State Park.

Thunderbird Golf Course

Orderville, Utah

Thinking of visiting Zion National Park? Take a drive east along winding Utah State Route 9, the Zion Park Scenic Byway, and you’ll come out on the other side in the small town of Mt. Carmel.

Here you’ll find Thunderbird Resort. Family-owned and operated since 1931, the resort includes the Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge, Thunderbird Restaurant & Gift Shop, Thunderbird RV Park and Thunderbird Golf Course.

Established by Fern Morrison in 1962, the 9-hole golf course is the only course for 60+ miles and the perfect place to enjoy stunning views, good company and a slice of the “ho-made pies” at the neighboring retro restaurant. (Read: Utah’s Pie-Ala-Road)

This small-town golf course may be off the beaten path, but it oozes charm and character. With its quirky layout, uneven fairways and simple amenities, it offers a refreshingly unpolished experience. Nine holes walking is just $15, and with a cart will add $5.

The surrounding scenery, laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth feel make it a treasured spot for those who appreciate a game with personality and a lot of heart, rather than pristine perfection.

Even more, it’s only an hour from Bryce Canyon National Park and 20 minutes from Kanab.

Green Spring Golf Course

Washington, Utah

Only a 5-minute drive from town is another great value for the quality of golf, Green Spring Golf Course in Washington, Utah.

When it’s snowing up north, at this laidback municipal course you’ll pay $85 for 18 holes with a cart during prime season, February through April. That drops to $45 from June to August when the weather heats up.

Green Spring offers similar amazing views of desert and mountain scenery with some additional water hazards, forced carries and approaches. The fifth hole requires a 175-yard carry across a red rock canyon to a green perched on the edge, aptly named the “Bottomless Pit.” The following hole doesn’t offer much respite. Named, “Devil’s Gulch,” the approach requires clearing a canyon that has eaten plenty of balls and was ranked as the most difficult hole in Utah for many years by The Salt Lake Tribune.

The 11th and 15th holes play over wetlands that are home to various birds such as mallards, wigeons, yellow warblers, coots and more. The finale, 18th hole, is a 502-yard downhill par 5. There’s something new around every corner at Green Spring Golf Course guaranteeing a memorable experience.

Golf in Southern Utah

Places to Visit Between Tee Times

About the Author – Nicole Gaddie

Nicole Gaddie is a senior associate producer at NBC Sports and retired college golfer at Seattle University. Her writing has been featured on NBC Sports, Golf Channel, The Seattle Times, PBS member station KCTS 9, The Orlando Sentinel, Yahoo! and more.